John Habib's City Sports: Boxing, running for causes

JOHN HABIBAugust 23. 2013 11:46PMCommunity leaders Bobby Stephen and Chistine Pariseau are both busy organizing their annual fund-raising events that take place after Labor Day.

In her quest to raise money to fight cancer, Pariseau is staging the fifth annual Friends Fighting Cancer 5K race through the historic Millyard. The race is set for Sunday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. and proceeds will be donated to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Pariseau said last year's race raised over $15,000.

Stephen has announced light welterwight professional Danny O'Connor will headline the 12th annual Fight to Educate Pro-Am boxing event slated for Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. at Verizon Wireless Arena. The boxing gala has already raised over $500,000 for three non-profit organizations: the SEE Science Center, the Bobby Stephen Fund for Education and New Horizons for New Hampshire.

Pariseau said she's raising the bar this year.

"Last year we had 300 registrants and we're hoping for 400 this year," she said. "We have a set a goal to raise $30,000. The money raised supports patient services and clinical trials here in New Hampshire."

Individuals and corporate teams are urged to register. "This event is for walkers and runners and there are prizes for all from the competitive runners to our top fund-raisers," said Pariseau.

A free 400-meter race at 11 a.m. for kids along with a post-race party featuring food and music will also be offered to all.

Registration on race day will be held from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Arms Park on 500 Commercial St. in front of Milly's Tavern.

For more information, call 703-6955 or visit online at Friends5K.org.

Stephen, currently in his 40th year as the chairman of the New Hampshire Boxing and Wrestling Commission, said he's planning to have three professional and three amateur fights on the card this year. O'Connor, a 2008 United States Olympic Team alternate who hails from Framingham, Mass., is 21-1 with seven knockout decisions.

"Education is one of my top priorities," said Stephen. "Over the years our community has generously donated money to our event. I'm proud to say we've raised scholarship money for many students in need who wish to continue their education beyond high school. That continues to be my goal and we're asking the public to not only donate again, but to also come out and enjoy an evening watching up-and-coming boxing prospects like O'Connor."

Stephen said three boxing legends will be attendance this year. They include Aaron Pryor (39-1, 25 KOs), a two-time world light welterweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee; former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (29-5, 23 KOs); and welterweight and light welterweight world champion James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs).

Tickets, priced at $50 and $25 (general admission), are available at the Verizon Wireless Arena box office or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8748/1616837/?brand=verizonarena.

A black tie dinner at 5:30 p.m. is planned before the bouts begin. VIP tables of eight can be reserved for $1,000.

This fee also includes an auction conducted by Stephen Singer and Charlie Sherman and a meet-and-greet with the three boxing legends.

- - - - - -

Memorial High is hosting its third annual field hockey jamboree, Playing for a Purpose, slated for Wednesday at Chabot-McDonough Field from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A pre-jamboree event will be held at Milly's Tavern, 500 Commercial St. on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the silent auction and raffles to help raise money for the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center.

- - - - - -

Southern New Hampshire University men's basketball guard Mike Stys, who recently organized the 2013 Sam Carey New Hampshire All-Star Classic at Manchester Central, announced the event raised $3,000. Brett Sellingham of BST Basketball presented the check to Rock-On Foundation Directors Matt and LukeBonner. The Rock-On Foundation will use the money toward a park renovation project in Manchester.